Gravel Coverage Chart
Reference chart showing coverage area for different gravel depths and quantities.
2" decorative · 3" walkways & patios · 4" light driveway · 6" heavy driveway
| Area | 2" depth | 3" depth | 4" depth | 6" depth |
|---|
Find a supplier
Now that you know how much gravel you need, find a local supplier to deliver it.
How to Use the Coverage Chart
Enter the square footage of your project area (or find a similar size in the table), pick your depth, and the chart tells you how many cubic yards and tons to order. Select your gravel type for an accurate tonnage range.
Not sure about your square footage? Multiply length × width in feet. A typical two-car driveway is about 600 ft², a patio 150–300 ft², and a walkway 60–100 ft².
Coverage Formula
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. To find how many cubic yards you need for a given area and depth:
cubic yards = (area ft² × depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27
For example, 500 ft² at 3 inches deep: (500 × 3 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 125 ÷ 27 = 4.63 yd³.
Why the Chart Shows a Tons Range
Suppliers sell gravel by the ton, but the weight per cubic yard varies by material. Angular crushed stone packs tightly at 1.35–1.55 tons/yd³, while rounded pea gravel weighs less at 1.30–1.45 tons/yd³. Moisture, particle size, and quarry source shift the number further.
The chart shows both cubic yards (exact) and a tons range (based on the selected gravel type). When in doubt, order toward the high end — a little extra is far cheaper than a second delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Deep Should Gravel Be for a Driveway?
A standard gravel driveway needs 4–6 inches of total depth, depending on soil conditions and traffic.
For best results, build in three layers: 4 inches of #3 stone base, 4 inches of #57 stone middle layer, and 2–3 inches of fine surface gravel. Light-use residential driveways can get by with a single 4-inch layer of crusher run.
Soft or clay-heavy soil needs the full 6 inches (or more) with geotextile fabric underneath. Hard, well-drained soil can use less. When in doubt, go deeper — it's much cheaper to lay extra gravel upfront than to fix ruts and sinking later.
How Many Cubic Yards Do I Need for 500 Square Feet?
The amount depends on your depth. For 500 square feet:
- 2" deep: 3.09 yd³
- 3" deep: 4.63 yd³
- 4" deep: 6.17 yd³
- 6" deep: 9.26 yd³
The formula is: (area × depth in feet) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. For example, 500 ft² at 3 inches: (500 × 0.25) ÷ 27 = 4.63 yd³. Add 10% for waste and uneven ground, bringing the order to about 5.1 yd³.
How Many Tons Is a Cubic Yard of Gravel?
One cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 1.3 and 1.5 tons (2,600–3,000 lbs), but the exact weight depends on the material.
- Pea gravel: 1.30–1.45 tons/yd³ — rounded stones leave more air gaps
- Crushed stone: 1.35–1.55 tons/yd³ — angular pieces pack tighter
- River rock: 1.30–1.50 tons/yd³ — varies with size
Moisture content also affects weight — wet gravel can weigh 10–15% more than dry. Most suppliers sell by the ton, so use the density of your specific gravel type when converting from cubic yards.
Should I Order Extra Gravel?
Yes, always order 10% more than your calculated amount. Here's why:
- Uneven ground: Low spots absorb more material than flat surfaces
- Compaction: Gravel settles 5–15% after compacting, especially angular crushed stone
- Spillage: Some material is always lost during spreading and along edges
A second delivery typically adds $50–$200 in trucking fees alone, so the cost of ordering a bit extra upfront is almost always worth it. If you end up with leftover gravel, it's easy to stockpile for future touch-ups and maintenance.
What If I Don't Know My Exact Area?
If you haven't measured yet, start with these typical project sizes:
- Walkway: 40–80 ft² (3 ft wide × 15–25 ft long)
- Patio: 100–300 ft² (10×10 to 15×20)
- Single-car driveway: 300–500 ft² (10 ft wide × 30–50 ft long)
- Two-car driveway: 500–800 ft² (16–20 ft wide × 30–40 ft long)
For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each one separately, and add them together. It's always better to slightly overestimate — a little extra gravel costs far less than scheduling a second delivery.